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Paddy Leonard, 9 May
Police investigating a disturbance on Sackville Street in Derry on
Wednesday, 8th May, have made a third arrest.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of common assault,
disorderly behaviour and improper use of a public communications
network. He remains at custody at this time, assisting police with
enquiries.
READ: Two arrests after 'terrifying' incident in Derry city centre
A 25-year-old woman remains in custody after being arrested on
suspicion of common assault, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage.
A man, aged 31 years old, who was previously arrested, also remains in
custody after being arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill,
assault on police, and resisting police.
The incident occurred on Sackville Street where there was a report made
to police at around 8pm of a fight involving five to six people. It was
reported, as this was ongoing, a member of the public who had his
children in his vehicle, intervened, attempting to break up the
incident. However, he was assaulted by persons present. His vehicle was
also attacked and sustained damage. The man eventually managed to drive
away.
When police responded to the incident and attended the scene, a police
officer was assaulted, punched on the face.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan condemned the attack on the 'good Samaritan' who
was assaulted and had his car attacked during the incident in Sackville
Street.
The Foyle MLA said: “The incident on Sackville Street yesterday evening
was absolutely abhorrent. Thinking of the good Samaritan who stepped in
to help and his poor children, who were in the car at the time during
what was an extremely frightening situation.
“There needs to be a focus on reducing crime and fear of crime in our
city centre. It’s heart-breaking to see these problems bleeding on to
our streets- products of a broken and dysfunctional society. There have
been plenty of issues in Derry with colossal cuts to vital support
programmes, cuts to community policing but the situation has been
further compounded by vulnerable people being relocated here, away from
their own support networks.
"It's not sustainable, quite frankly, it's dangerous and has been
allowed to spiral despite countless warnings from myself and others.
“Lifting the lid on this pressure cooker means implementing an urgent
framework that focuses on keeping city centres safe, the Housing
Executive must focus on local connection and on-hand support services
to prevent an escalation in need. The bottom line is keeping people
safe- the existing ‘vicious circle’ structure fails to do just that.”
Superintendent Willy Calderwood said: "This was a despicable incident
during which a brave member of the public stopped to diffuse the
situation but, in turn, he was viciously assaulted. What's even more
distressing is the victim had his children with him. It must have
terrifying and, understandably, this has been extremely distressing.
This man stopped to help, and his actions are reflective of the
overwhelming goodwill that exists in this city.
"Last night's incident was disgraceful and we are working closely with
partners, including City Centre Initiative on this matter, and
enquiries continue to identify all those involved."
Anyone with information, or who witnessed the incident, or has footage
of the incident, is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference 1838
of 08/05/24 or make a report online
via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport Alternatively, information can be
provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online
at www.crimestoppers-uk.org